Three hostages returned to Israel Saturday, as Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Kalderon were released from Hamas captivity after 484 days. Siegel arrived at the main reception point on the Re'im base in Israel shortly before noon, the military confirmed, hours after Kalderon and Bibas.
Bibas and Kalderon were both released from captivity around 8:30 a.m. from Khan Yunis, near the home of the eliminated Yahya Sinwar, while Siegel was released nearly two hours later from the Gaza Port.
"Yarden is home, but the home is missing," Bibas family members said in a statement following the father's release.
A Hamas vehicle tailed the Red Cross car ferrying Bibas and Kaledron to Israel, Al Jazeera reported, claiming the measure was being taken as a safety precaution. In contrast with previous weeks, there were fewer Palestinian civilians at the sites of the releases, according to the footage.
Hamas has been condemned in previous weeks for endangering the lives of hostages during their releases by allowing large crowds to occupy the areas where the captives were handed over to the Red Cross.
Kalderon and Bibas reunited with some of their loved ones at the IDF's Re'im Base - although Bibas's wife and two children remain in Gaza. Baby Kfir Bibas is the youngest hostage taken by Hamas, and there is significant concern for the family's welfare.
During the pair's release, Kalderon was seen wearing a Hamas-manufactured military-style uniform. Both men were released with signed commitments promising they would not serve in the IDF again, Maariv reported, citing local reports.
Al Jazeera, which broadcasted a livestream of the event, noted that both captives were able to walk independently and claimed they were in good health. Initial reports from Israel show the hostages are extremely malnourished, according to Maariv.
Siegel was brought to the meeting point in the Gaza City port in a white vehicle where he was transferred from Hamas captivity into the custody of the Red Cross, and was then later transferred to Israeli forces, the military confirmed.
Siegel emerged from the vehicle with terrorists surrounding him closely. He was subsequently handed two bags, potentially one intended to be given to his wife, Aviv, who was released after 53 days as part of the first hostage deal back in November 2023.
Kalderon and Bibas reunite with their families
Bibas and Kalderon reunited with some of their loved ones at the IDF's Re'im Base - although Bibas's wife and two children remain in Gaza.
Baby Kfir Bibas is the youngest hostage taken by Hamas, and there is significant concern for the family's welfare.
The former hostages underwent an initial medical assessment at the base and are not being taken to Tel Aviv where they will reunite with their loved ones and undergo rehabilitation treatments.
During the pair's release, Kalderon was seen wearing a Hamas-manufactured military-style uniform. Both men were released with signed commitments promising they would not serve in the IDF again, Maariv reported, citing local reports.
Qatari state-run media giant Al Jazeera, which broadcasted a livestream of the event, noted that both captives were able to walk independently and claimed they were in good health.
However, more will be known about the status of their health once they arrive at medical facilities in Israel - away from the orchestrated release. Initial reports from Israel show the hostages are extremely malnourished, according to Maariv.